Graeme Stewart Registered Osteopath

Provider of ESWT
(Extracorporeal Shockwave Therapy)

What is shockwave therapy?

Shockwave therapy is a non-invasive treatment that involves creating a series of low energy acoustic wave pulsations that are directly applied to an injury through a person’s skin via a gel medium. The concept and technology originally evolved from the discovery that focused sound waves were capable of breaking down kidney and gallstones. Generated shockwaves have proven successful in a number of scientific studies for the treatment of chronic conditions. Shockwave therapy is its own treatment for a lingering injury, or pain resulting from illness. You don’t need painkillers with it – the purpose of the therapy is to trigger the body’s own natural healing response. Many people report that their pain is reduced and mobility improved after the first treatment.

What does shockwave therapy entail?

On your first visit I will confirm that you are an appropriate candidate for shockwave therapy. I will explain your condition to you and detail what can be done in conjunction with treatment to maximise results – things like activity modification and addressing postural compensations. Shockwave treatment is usually done once a week for 4-6 weeks, depending on results. The treatment itself only lasts about 5 minutes and can cause mild discomfort but the intensity can be adjusted to keep it comfortable.

What conditions can shockwave therapy treat?

• Feet – heel spurs, plantar fasciitis
• Elbow – tennis and golfer’s elbow
• Shoulder – calcific tendinosis of rotator cuff muscles
• Knee – patellar tendonitis
• Hip – bursitis
• Lower leg – Achilles tendonitis, shin splints
• Upper leg – iliotibial band friction syndrome (runners knee)
• Back pain – lumbar, thoracic and cervical spine pain, chronic and acute

Are there any side effects?

After the treatment, you may experience temporary soreness, tenderness or swelling for a few days following the procedure, as the shockwaves stimulate an inflammatory response. But this is the body healing itself naturally. So, it’s important not to take any anti-inflammatory medication for two weeks before and after treatment, which may slow down results. Upon completion of your treatment, you can return to most regular activities almost immediately.

What are the contraindications?

If any of the following apply to you then please let me know prior to making an appointment.

• If you are pregnant or trying to conceive.
• If you take anti-coagulants such as Warfarin.
• If you are under 18 years of age.
• If you have a Cardiac Pacemaker.
• If you have any malignant tumours.
• If you have any nerve or circulation disorders.
• If you have any infections.